On June 13, 2025, BTS, the globally renowned seven-member K-pop group, commemorated their 12th debut anniversary with a series of special events and performances, marking a significant milestone not only in their career but also in their journey as a band reuniting after nearly three years of members fulfilling mandatory military service.
A Month-Long Celebration with a Special Theme
The anniversary festivities began on May 31 and will continue through June 29, 2025. This year’s celebration carries the poignant theme “Twelve O’Clock,” inspired by BTS’s heartfelt ballad “00:00 (Zero O’Clock),” symbolizing fresh starts and new beginnings. This theme is reflected in various celebratory activities and installations, including special photo zones across Goyang City, such as at Ilsan Lake Park and near the KINTEX Exhibition Center, inviting fans to engage with the anniversary spirit.
Major Events in Goyang: Concerts and BTS FESTA
The heart of the celebration is centered in Goyang, South Korea, where BTS planned a series of large-scale events. Notably, J-Hope and Jin, two of the group’s members who have completed their military service, headlined solo concerts at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium. J-Hope’s “Hope on the Stage” world tour, which began in February 2025 and spanned multiple countries, concluded with two final shows on June 13 and 14. These concerts featured new performances, including J-Hope’s debut of the song “Killin’ It Girl,” showcasing his evolution as a solo artist.
Following J-Hope’s concerts, Jin launched his solo tour, “Run Seokjin EP,” with performances scheduled on June 28 and 29 at the auxiliary stadium of the same complex. Jin’s tour is set to continue internationally, covering the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands before concluding in August.
Simultaneously, Goyang City hosted the “2025 BTS FESTA” offline event on June 13 and 14 at the KINTEX Exhibition Center II. This marked the first time BTS celebrated their anniversary in Goyang. The FESTA, a beloved annual tradition, offered fans immersive experiences including a themed game zone, DIY photo card-making, large-scale coloring walls inspired by BTS’s album art, hourly light shows, voice zones with members’ messages, and exhibits showcasing BTS’s history and memorabilia. Limited-edition merchandise and exclusive online content were also part of the festivities, catering to the global BTS ARMY community.
Anticipation of a Full Reunion
The 12th anniversary is particularly meaningful as it symbolizes the near completion of BTS members’ military duties, with only SUGA remaining to be discharged on June 21, 2025. This has fueled widespread anticipation and hope among fans for a full-group reunion soon. The FESTA’s official messaging, including the phrase “Time for us to meet again,” has sparked excitement and speculation about possible joint appearances or performances, reinforcing the deep bond between BTS and their fans.
Community and City Support
Goyang City embraced the celebration with extensive support, including traffic and safety measures, transportation facilities for international fans, and on-site administrative teams to ensure smooth event execution. The city’s mayor expressed gratitude for BTS choosing Goyang as the venue, welcoming ARMY fans worldwide and highlighting Goyang’s growing reputation as a cultural and multi-cultural destination.
